ACTRESS Dame Helen Mirren is championing a leading south Essex charity going above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dame Helen, 74, who grew up in Leigh, has thrown her weight behind the Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services’ charitable welfare work in the community.

During lockdown, the association has been met with increasing demand through its Ways to Wellness Service across Canvey, Hadleigh Thundersley, Benfleet, Rayleigh and Rochford.

To help the essential welfare work being carried out, a fundraising campaign is reaching out to anyone in the community who can spare some cash at this turbulent time.

Dame Helen said: “Many acts of kindness are being extended right now to residents.

“Hard-working and dedicated volunteers are helping people who are facing extreme difficulties with crucial support such as food parcels, medical prescriptions, welfare calls, and telephone befriending.

“Without this help, it could present much hardship to those who most need this lifeline.

“You can make a real difference to the lives of others by donating what you can to this local charity to help continue their dedicated work.”

Dame Helen grew up in Leigh and attended Hamlet Court primary school, in Westcliff, before going on to attend St Bernard’s High School for Girls, where she acted in numerous school productions.

Janis Gibson, chief executive of Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services, said: “I’d like to sincerely thank the organisations and individuals who have already so generously donated to our cause.

“So many local people are experiencing difficult and uncertain times and its imperative that we continue to help.”

The association is a voluntary service which helps provide vital information, advice and guidance to voluntary and community organisations.

They also help to match organisations, and potential volunteers, with the aim of improving their communities.

Donations can be made via its website: www.cavsorg.uk/donate or via its Facebook Page.

If you need help, the Ways to Wellness Team can be contacted on: 01268 214 000 or via email: wellness@cavsorg.uk.